Elementary and Early Childhood Education

In a Penn State undergraduate teacher education program, students gain the experiences necessary to become certified teachers of secondary education. Each program requires:

45 credits of directed general education study to begin the lifelong inquiry into subject area knowledge,

professional course work, and

various field experiences including student teaching.

Students gain additional practical experience with children and adolescents through volunteer activities or part-time employment in related areas as well as the required courses.

Upon successful completion of all requirements for graduation, students receive a bachelor's of science degree. To be certified to teach, students must also meet any test and clearance requirements as specified by The Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Emphasis Area

The PK – 4 teaching option was developed using guidelines recommended by the National Association for Education of Young Children, as well as standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support the growth and content understanding beginning with the youngest learners and continuing into the fourth grade.

Resources

Did you know?

Our teacher education programs have been accredited since 1965.

The next CAEP accreditation site visit will be Spring 2019. The College of Education has been collaborating with candidates, completers, and P-12 partners to provide evidence of positive impact on P-12 student learning and development.